Land area: 144,689 sq mi (374,744 sq km); total area: 145,883 sq mi (377,835 sq km)

Population (2006): 127,463,611 (growth rate: 0.02%); birth rate: 9.4/1000; infant mortality rate: 3.2/1000; life expectancy: 81.2; density per sq mi: 881

Capital City: Tokyo

Monetary unit: Yen

Languages: Japanese

Ethnicity/race: Japanese 99%, other 1% (mostly Korean)

Religions: Shintoist and Buddhist 84%, other 16% (including Christian 0.7%)

Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu (or the mainland), Shikoku,

Japan is the 18th most densely populated country in the world. About 73% of the country is mountainous, and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use, due to the generally steep elevations, climate, and risk of landslides caused by earthquakes, soft ground, and heavy rain. This has resulted in an extremely high population density in the habitable zones that are mainly located in coastal areas.

It is location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, at the juncture of three tectonic plates, gives Japan frequent low-intensity earth tremors and occasional volcanic activity. Destructive earthquakes, often resulting in tsunamis, occur several times each century. The most recent major quakes include the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake and the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995.

Hot springs are numerous, and have been developed as resorts.

Japanese culture has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original Jomon culture to its contemporary hybrid culture, which combines a number of influences from Asia, Europe, and America.

Historically, China and Korea have been the most influential starting with the development of the Yayoi culture from around 300 BC and culminating with the introduction of rice farming, ceremonial burial, pottery, painting, writing, poetry, etiquette, the Chinese writing system, and Mahayana Buddhism by the 7th century AD.

From the mid-19th century onward, Western influence prevailed, with American influence becoming especially predominant following the end of World War II. This influence is apparent in Japan's contemporary popular culture, which combines Asian, European, and, 1950-onward, American influences. Both within the country and abroad, its people have achieved international acclaim in fashion, films, literature, television, video games, and music.

Notable contributions of modern Japan to the rest of the world come from the technology sector, such as that of cell phones, camcorders, and mp3 players. This category also includes some of the highest caliber video games and game consoles. The unique art and thematic styles present in animation (anime) and graphic novels (manga) have also presented a unique addition to the world's entertainment field. Japanese culture has attracted many devotees in Europe and North America as well.

Japanese architecture has as long a history as any other aspect of Japanese culture. Influenced heavily by Chinese architecture, it also shows a number of important differences and aspects which are uniquely Japanese. For the most part, those buildings that survive to stand as evidence of pre-modern Japanese architecture are largely castles, Buddhist temples, and Shinto shrines.

Following World War II, Japanese architects incorporated Western technical innovations into buildings combining traditional and modern styles. Such an example is wel represented in the design and creation of the Rainbow Bridge, a suspended bridge crossing Tokyo Harbor. Also worth seeing is the Tokyo Tower.

Mt.Fuji is a landmark of Japan and is the highest mountain in the country, at 3776-meter high. More than 200,000 people climb to the top of Mt.Fuji every year.